Gratitude. It’s something we all have for various reasons in our lives. What each of us is grateful for is subjective because we come from different walks of life and have different experiences. In the nine counties we serve, there are people who grow up in some of the smallest communities in the entire state, while others call some of the state’s largest cities home.
The important thing is we are all associated with one another because of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. Everyone here has things to be grateful for. For the month of November, a month that is all about celebrating gratitude, we connected with various staff members to discover what they are grateful for.
November 11 – Veterans Day
Originally declared Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, the name was changed a few decades later to Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Since 1954, November 11 has been a day to highlight patriotism and appreciation for the people who have served in our nation’s military. It is because of these individuals we have countless opportunities and freedoms today. Over 41 million Americans have served in the military throughout the history of the United States, including over one million individuals.
At NPRC, we assist those who served by granting them early access to registration for academic courses each term and provide them with support from their Student Engagement Specialist. While we are not yet eligible to support GI Bills, financial support, institutional aid, scholarships, and CareerLink funding for academic and workforce development programs. “We are thankful for the sacrifices our veterans make in service to our country and grateful for the opportunity to support them on their educational journeys,” noted Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Mindy Saunders.
November 13 – World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is celebrated globally and is a day dedicated to being kind to others, yourself, and the world we all share. Being compassionate and empathetic to one another helps unite us all even through our differences. Since 1998, World Kindness Day has been celebrated on November 13 after the World Kindness Movement, a group formed in Japan, brought representatives from many countries together to talk about the necessity for groups of people to be kind to one another. Today, the day is observed in many countries and is celebrated in higher education institutions. NPRC’s Assistant Director of Disability and Career Services, Monica Schloder, expressed the importance of being kind to all we encounter.
“Cliches that offer advice on kindness are abundantly popular and that is because most people have a need for kindness. If we follow the golden rule of treating others how we wish to be treated ourselves, we experience kindness. Being friendly and considerate can go a long way towards helping someone feel valued. Opening a door, paying a compliment, saying hello, and simply offering a smile are nearly effortless acts, yet extremely powerful. Be intentional with your kindness and don’t limit it to one day. Spreading kindness should happen every day!”
November 16 – International Day of Tolerance
Almost 26 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare November 16 as the International Day of Tolerance. The day has been adopted to ensure that respect and appreciation is shown for one another when it comes to individuals’ differences. This day emphasizes that everyone is born with human rights and fundamental freedoms that others may not take away from one another. Our world is naturally diverse, and the International Day of Tolerance makes sure that diversity and diverse communities thrive throughout the world.
November 25 – Thanksgiving
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated nationally across the country. Now, late November is filled with time dedicated to showing appreciation for what we each have. Susan Gleason, NPRC’s Director of Financial Aid, shared what this time of year means for her as someone who was born on Thanksgiving.
“Each year at Thanksgiving I am reminded of how special life is whether going through a struggle or at the happiest of moments. I have always thought my parents were too extra thankful for Thanksgiving as they were blessed with my arrival that day (too many years ago.). It is a time to remember how valuable life is and every moment does have a meaning, big or small. The people around you matter whether for a long time or a short time. So, each Thanksgiving we cook, we laugh, we love as family and friends and some years we eat a lot of cake and ice cream for my birthday as well!”
The month of November is a busy one with many reasons to celebrate. Including one of the last holidays, GivingTuesday. This day is about expressing generosity to individuals and non-profits that serve our communities daily. One way area residents can give this year is by donating to NPRC to assist our current and future students as they work towards a degree or other educational pathways. For every $2,220 we raise, we can give a student a scholarship towards one term of full-time study (12-18 credits). For every $1,300 raised, we can help give a student access to an EMT class so they can save lives in their community. Lead and give today by visiting our website to donate under the Areas of Support heading.
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the College reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.